**Introduction:**
The Indian National Congress (INC) is a political party in India that played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Founded in 1885, the INC has evolved over time and has rested on several key ideologies. One of the primary ideologies on which the INC rests is secularism.

**Explanation:**

**1. Secularism:**
Secularism is the idea that the state should remain neutral in matters of religion and treat all religions equally. The INC firmly believes in secularism and advocates for a secular state in India. This means that the state should not favor or discriminate against any particular religion and should ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. The INC's commitment to secularism is enshrined in the Constitution of India, which guarantees religious freedom and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

**Evidence:**
- The INC has consistently advocated for the protection of religious freedom and the promotion of a harmonious society where people of different religions can coexist peacefully.
- The party has opposed any attempts to polarize society along religious lines and has advocated for the rights of religious minorities.
- The INC has also actively supported policies and initiatives aimed at promoting communal harmony, such as interfaith dialogue and initiatives to address religious discrimination.

**Other Ideologies:**
While secularism is one of the fundamental ideologies of the INC, it is not the only one. The party also rests on other key ideologies including:

**2. Socialism:**
The INC has historically been associated with socialist principles and has advocated for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. The party believes in reducing socio-economic inequalities and providing access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all citizens.

**3. Federalism:**
The INC supports the idea of a federal system of government in which power is shared between the central government and the state governments. The party believes in devolution of powers to the states and ensuring a balance between the central authority and regional autonomy.

**Conclusion:**
The Indian National Congress rests on a variety of ideologies, with secularism being one of its core principles. The party's commitment to secularism is evident in its advocacy for religious freedom, opposition to religious discrimination, and promotion of communal harmony. In addition to secularism, the INC also embraces socialist principles and supports a federal system of government. These ideologies shape the party's policies and vision for a democratic and inclusive India.

Secularism